Thailand denies allegations tourists are arbitrarily refused entry at airports

The response came after some news sites claimed that Cambodian and Indian nationals were being denied entry, forced to book immediate return flights, and asked to pay an illicit "service fee" of 1,000 baht (US$31), Nation Thailand reported.

Officials warned that such "one-sided and inaccurate" reporting could harm Thailand's reputation as a leading global travel destination.

Police Col Pongthorn Pongratchatanan, spokesperson for Immigration Division 2, said on Friday that screening procedures at airports are carried out strictly in accordance with the law and follow standard operating practices used by immigration authorities worldwide.

Referring to the claims of a 1,000-baht fee and forced ticket bookings, he said no such charges exist in the official immigration system, The Star newspaper reported.

When travelers are refused entry, the responsibility for arranging their return typically falls on the airline that transported them.

In December last year a 23-year-old European tourist claimed she was denied entry into Thailand after immigration officers at Don Mueang International Airport determined she did not have sufficient funds on hand.

Thailand received 6.5 million foreign tourists in the first two months of 2026, a 4.2% decrease from the same period last year.